Congrats, James! Every time they get over another hump, it's one less worry.
I've been traveling a lot, so haven't written, but I enjoy reading about all your terrific children on my phone. It keeps me level when, like now, my DS is on extended ship time. Thanks, everyone!
Nancy W, glad to hear the packing is done. It took 2 1/2 months for all my son's stuff to make it over to Japan last year, but the Navy does have loaner furniture available in the meantime. My son didn't even know that, so was glad when I picked up that tip from another mom who had two sons deployed there.
Flyboymom, how exciting that he is home. Thanks a
So for the tip on dress for winging. Although it won't be until February, always good to know ahead of time.
Ladies, will you please say some prayers for my brother, Jim. He is in a very difficult relationship and a stressful job. He needs all the positive thoughts we can send him.
I second Nancy W's welcome and saying that N4M is great. My son is in advanced jet in Kingsville and have learned so much from all of these wonderful parents.
Thanks for the welcome all. Just starting the process as son in OCS right now. He's a tall kid 6 2 and broad and I guess this may limit what he can fly. We just got a letter from him and he has been told he probably can't do helicopters. Wisely he was being open minded about what he wants to fly as there's a lot can happen before that stage but we had assumed if they accepted him as an aviator he could fly whatever they put him in. Any thoughts, experiences with this?
Thanks and I have sent Mark a question. James made all the measurements when measured prior to OCS, which surprised me as he is tall and broad, a rugby player! The flight surgeon said he needs to be under 204 to fly helicopters and I guess he is at 210. The requirement for jets is supposedly 208. This was news to him and us. He is pragmatic and just wants to fly for the navy. I think I am more jittery.
Leslie, keeping you in our thoughts and hoping they are able to resolve the BP issue. Our DS had his cross country flight this weekend! Said watching the sun set over the US was pretty spectacular.
Height and weight are just the beginning. The Naval Aviation Schools Command has an entire section on Anthropometrics. Everything is measured to establish whether or not a prospective aviator can qualify in a specific type of aircraft. There are definite height and weight restrictions to maintain the safety of the crew during operation and should an emergency egress be required. Canopies, doorways, instruments and ejection seats all have finite tolerances. Weight is monitored throughout their career but I believe senior pilots may have the opportunity to sign a waiver stating they understand the risk of being outside acceptable norms. Not sure if they can still do that. It puts a lot of liability on the Navy. http://www.netc.navy.mil/nascweb/anthro_/index.htm
Thanks for the helpful info. about weight etc. for aviators. Today I learned my son is in the infirmary with pink eye (probably the darn masks from firefighting) and he has RLP in 2 days. My heart feels for him as it would be awful to get rolled now for the fact he was isolated due to pink eye. I am hoping it won't come to that but, as you know, information is scarce and what little I got was via FB and some one sneaking a text out
My DS had a forms partner (Marine) who apparently had legs too long to fly jets. He was told in API that he wasn't going to get jets but he requested a re-measure. The ultimately was approved for F18's but not Harriers due to the ejection seats in the Harrier being not suited for long legs.
When my DS went to OCS is was still in Penasacola. The week after he got there, Katrina hit and they moved everyone to Corey Station a couple miles inland. Since they moved the whole base, they had them sleeping in hallways, head to toe. With that close of quarters, he got the sick almost right away. I think my DS was sick the entire time. Still had a hack when we went for graduation.
DS graduated from API today...at least I presume he did, since he was scheduled to. He's waiting on his transfer orders to Whiting and then to class up for Primary. I think the reality of all this will really hit me when he flies that trainer for the first time. What I do know is that he sounds so happy and contented when I talk to him. I guess the Navy and married life agrees with him!
CheriH. My sone is at NAS Pensacola also. Finished IFS and has to wait until January for API because they are doing construction on the pool. He hopes to go to Whiting then also. What OCS class was your son in?
Dawn, He had to do his swimming part of API out of sequence because of the pool construction. He didn't like the waiting one bit. He commissioned from NROTC at Texas A&M, so didn't have to go through OCS. He and his wife live close to Whiting. Where does your son live?
He lives in Pensacola close to the base in a rented house. He was hoping to get the class part done and do swimming after pool opens but they decided not to do any API until January. He also hates the waiting. If your sons wife would like to meet up with others my sons girlfriend started a face book page for family of the new aviators there. She and several others have become friends
Leslie, thanks for the info. My son is at 4 weeks, PRL tomorrow. He seems in good spirits and tells me he just takes it a day at a time and keeps his eyes toward the prize of graduation. You must be so proud of your boys, congratulations! Please keep in touch. I love this connection to mums.
I like many others have been reading everyone's posts - with lots of pride and support for your families. It's Thursday, another selection day in Corpus - our DS is very excited to be heading to Kingsville!
Best wishes to all - it is an incredibly exciting journey.
Moms - my son is still at OCS. Should graduate at the end of the year. I understand that you cant predict when they have to report in Pensacola. But can anyone tell me what to expect in terms of living arrangements? Do they live on base or find apartments? we are really green about all this. thanks
My son lives off base. They do get housing and food allowance living off base. I believe there is also housing on base. I think they will talk to the, about this at OCS. When you are able to talk by email to your son ask him if they have talked with them. They have a few travel days after they get orders for Pensacola then they have to use leave. For example my son had four days for driving from Rhode Island and then he used leave for a week with that. They only have a certain number of days of leave they can use. They will get a date they have to report by. Has your son gotten his NAMI letter, the letter that medically clears him?
Any others on Hurricane Sandy worry watch? Our son and his family are in Newport, RI. If they lose power during this mess, the sump pump in the basement will fail and they will get water seeping up from the ground. They have emptied the basement into the upstairs except for appliances. Storm surge may flood the garage if they get more than a foot of surge water. They are right off Easton Pond. On top of that their home in Chesapeake nearly flooded with Irene so it's in jeopardy. They haven't heard from their renters. What are the chances that they get flooded twice in 48 hrs... This is no fun.
My son is at OCS and I guess they have been sandbagging. We are 3000 miles away in CA and are just praying the storm doesn't do the damage predicted. I understand Jersey will get the worst of it. I am wishing the best for your son and wife.
Jamesmym, I am also in California and I understand how far away you feel from RI. I felt that way also.
Jamielss, there are lots of apartments in Pensacola. He should talk to other sna candidates and when they get closer to commissioning, they can start looking online. My son is now advanced in Kingsville and he has said over and over that is is very important to be with other students so that they can study together . He has two roommates, one of which was in his OCS class.
I am so excited, we are flying to Texas on Wednesday and Saturday will drive to Kingsvile. We get to see our son and meet his girl. Can't wait! Any words of wisdom about visiting Kingsville?
I agree - there is not much to do in kingsvile. I imagine you will be eating Barbecue. Weath shnould be very nice there now - fairly dry. There is a campus of Texas A&M there, so pizza! have fun! thanks for your help.
All is well for our son and family at USNWC in Newport. They did lose power but the rain in their area was not as bad as predicted so the basement didn't flood. The surge was high but not enough to get to them. Whew! He had class today. I'm counting the months until they are back on the west coast. Even though they will be in San Diego and we are up here in Washington, I'll be glad to have them in the same time zone for a while.
There is a photo posted on facebook.com/NAVSTANewport of those that helped with the sandbag efforts. I hope someone might spot their LO. They are an amazing team.
Last night handing out candy to trick-or-treaters I hatched a plan. Their sacks were full and I thought maybe they would give away the candy they don't want. So I posted a request on our neighborhood facebook page that if any families had left over candy they could leave it on my porch and I will send it on to the USS George Washington, the carrier that Nancy's and my DS are on. When I got home this afternoon there were 5 grocery bags of candy on my front porch!! Others have posted that they are bringing more in the next couple of days. One mom said she let her kids pick 20 pieces of candy each and they were giving the rest to the Navy!!
The outpouring of prayers and support was very uplifting!!
pedsdoc...love that you got your ds home for a x country trip!
Our DS did graduate from API and transferred to Whiting for Primary. Already classing up on Monday. He's very anxious to get going on it! And exciting for me, we are all going to Pcola for Christmas. Will have both kids and spouses together!
Mdh. My son graduated from OCS July and is SNA now in Pensacola. His GF started a face book page called Naval Aviation Support group. Ask to join. She and the other girlfriends and wife's on there will help you out.
Hey moms. One of our own needs prayers. NancyW's granddaughter got ahold of an almost full bottle of Tylenol. She apparently injested most of them. She is in a hospital in Latvia where she and her parents don't speak the language. She is getting the medical care that she needs but there is still danger over the next couple of days.
So often the highs and lows of life go hand in hand. Praying for both Nancy's grand-daughter and family and for pedsdoc and your family's loss. And rejoicing with your son in reaching that next step in his dream-journey. And understanding the conflicting emotions of knowing what your son will be doing.
We talked to our DS last night. In the first stages of Primary. Feeling like he is finally moving toward his dream. He was so excited talking about what he is learning; describing the sims bay; looking forward to the day when he will be up in that plane. I'm not sure how my heart can hold both emotions at the same time...the thrill and pride for him; the panic at the unknown. Thankfully I know the One who is in control. And I'm grateful I can express it here and know that you know exactly what I'm feeling.
Marianne
Congrats, James! Every time they get over another hump, it's one less worry.
I've been traveling a lot, so haven't written, but I enjoy reading about all your terrific children on my phone. It keeps me level when, like now, my DS is on extended ship time. Thanks, everyone!
Nancy W, glad to hear the packing is done. It took 2 1/2 months for all my son's stuff to make it over to Japan last year, but the Navy does have loaner furniture available in the meantime. My son didn't even know that, so was glad when I picked up that tip from another mom who had two sons deployed there.
I pray every day for all our children.
Oct 9, 2012
Kathy
CONGRATS to your DS, James! That is such a relief for him and for you!! Keep us posted on his next move! My DS is staying in Lemoore.
Oct 9, 2012
JudyM
Just arrived in Tampa to help my brother. I forgot what humidity was about.
Oct 9, 2012
JudyM
Oct 10, 2012
JudyM
So for the tip on dress for winging. Although it won't be until February, always good to know ahead of time.
Oct 13, 2012
JudyM
Oct 13, 2012
Barb
Flyboymom, that is awesome!
I second your prayers for all...
Oct 15, 2012
CheriH
Love the cell phone case! What a perfect gift!!!
Oct 16, 2012
JudyM
Oct 16, 2012
Paymaster
Welcome Jamesmum!
Oct 19, 2012
JudyM
I second Nancy W's welcome and saying that N4M is great. My son is in advanced jet in Kingsville and have learned so much from all of these wonderful parents.
Oct 19, 2012
Jamesmum
Oct 20, 2012
Jamesmum
Oct 21, 2012
Dawn
Oct 21, 2012
Barb
Leslie, keeping you in our thoughts and hoping they are able to resolve the BP issue.
Our DS had his cross country flight this weekend! Said watching the sun set over the US was pretty spectacular.
Have a good week everyone!
Oct 22, 2012
011980
My son just signed up for helicopters, so he is on his way to Florida. Does anyone know where the ceremony will be for him to receive his wings?
Oct 22, 2012
Paymaster
Helicopters pilots get winged at Milton, Whiting Field. Best of luck to your son!
Oct 22, 2012
011980
Thanks so much, how long will he be in training before he gets his wings? I know it must depend in part upon the weather.....
Oct 22, 2012
Paymaster
Navy Wife, I think you got them all.
Oct 22, 2012
Helomom
Oct 23, 2012
Jamesmum
Oct 23, 2012
AH
My DS had a forms partner (Marine) who apparently had legs too long to fly jets. He was told in API that he wasn't going to get jets but he requested a re-measure. The ultimately was approved for F18's but not Harriers due to the ejection seats in the Harrier being not suited for long legs.
Oct 23, 2012
AH
When my DS went to OCS is was still in Penasacola. The week after he got there, Katrina hit and they moved everyone to Corey Station a couple miles inland. Since they moved the whole base, they had them sleeping in hallways, head to toe. With that close of quarters, he got the sick almost right away. I think my DS was sick the entire time. Still had a hack when we went for graduation.
Oct 24, 2012
CheriH
DS graduated from API today...at least I presume he did, since he was scheduled to. He's waiting on his transfer orders to Whiting and then to class up for Primary. I think the reality of all this will really hit me when he flies that trainer for the first time. What I do know is that he sounds so happy and contented when I talk to him. I guess the Navy and married life agrees with him!
Oct 24, 2012
Dawn
Oct 24, 2012
CheriH
Dawn, He had to do his swimming part of API out of sequence because of the pool construction. He didn't like the waiting one bit. He commissioned from NROTC at Texas A&M, so didn't have to go through OCS. He and his wife live close to Whiting. Where does your son live?
Oct 24, 2012
Dawn
Oct 24, 2012
Dawn
Oct 24, 2012
Jamesmum
Oct 25, 2012
NFAO
I like many others have been reading everyone's posts - with lots of pride and support for your families. It's Thursday, another selection day in Corpus - our DS is very excited to be heading to Kingsville!
Best wishes to all - it is an incredibly exciting journey.
Oct 25, 2012
Dawn
Oct 26, 2012
jamielss
Moms - my son is still at OCS. Should graduate at the end of the year. I understand that you cant predict when they have to report in Pensacola. But can anyone tell me what to expect in terms of living arrangements? Do they live on base or find apartments? we are really green about all this. thanks
Oct 28, 2012
Dawn
Oct 28, 2012
Helomom
Oct 28, 2012
Jamesmum
Oct 28, 2012
JudyM
Jamielss, there are lots of apartments in Pensacola. He should talk to other sna candidates and when they get closer to commissioning, they can start looking online. My son is now advanced in Kingsville and he has said over and over that is is very important to be with other students so that they can study together . He has two roommates, one of which was in his OCS class.
I am so excited, we are flying to Texas on Wednesday and Saturday will drive to Kingsvile. We get to see our son and meet his girl. Can't wait! Any words of wisdom about visiting Kingsville?
Oct 29, 2012
jamielss
I agree - there is not much to do in kingsvile. I imagine you will be eating Barbecue. Weath shnould be very nice there now - fairly dry. There is a campus of Texas A&M there, so pizza! have fun! thanks for your help.
Oct 29, 2012
Helomom
Oct 30, 2012
ulua
There is a photo posted on facebook.com/NAVSTANewport of those that helped with the sandbag efforts. I hope someone might spot their LO. They are an amazing team.
Oct 31, 2012
TennMom
Last night handing out candy to trick-or-treaters I hatched a plan. Their sacks were full and I thought maybe they would give away the candy they don't want. So I posted a request on our neighborhood facebook page that if any families had left over candy they could leave it on my porch and I will send it on to the USS George Washington, the carrier that Nancy's and my DS are on. When I got home this afternoon there were 5 grocery bags of candy on my front porch!! Others have posted that they are bringing more in the next couple of days. One mom said she let her kids pick 20 pieces of candy each and they were giving the rest to the Navy!!
The outpouring of prayers and support was very uplifting!!
Nov 1, 2012
JudyM
Nov 2, 2012
CheriH
pedsdoc...love that you got your ds home for a x country trip!
Our DS did graduate from API and transferred to Whiting for Primary. Already classing up on Monday. He's very anxious to get going on it! And exciting for me, we are all going to Pcola for Christmas. Will have both kids and spouses together!
Nov 3, 2012
Paymaster
Welcome MDH!
Nov 4, 2012
Dawn
Nov 5, 2012
Dawn
Nov 8, 2012
AH
Hey moms. One of our own needs prayers. NancyW's granddaughter got ahold of an almost full bottle of Tylenol. She apparently injested most of them. She is in a hospital in Latvia where she and her parents don't speak the language. She is getting the medical care that she needs but there is still danger over the next couple of days.
Nov 8, 2012
CheriH
So often the highs and lows of life go hand in hand. Praying for both Nancy's grand-daughter and family and for pedsdoc and your family's loss. And rejoicing with your son in reaching that next step in his dream-journey. And understanding the conflicting emotions of knowing what your son will be doing.
We talked to our DS last night. In the first stages of Primary. Feeling like he is finally moving toward his dream. He was so excited talking about what he is learning; describing the sims bay; looking forward to the day when he will be up in that plane. I'm not sure how my heart can hold both emotions at the same time...the thrill and pride for him; the panic at the unknown. Thankfully I know the One who is in control. And I'm grateful I can express it here and know that you know exactly what I'm feeling.
Praying for each of you and your LOs.
Nov 9, 2012
Paymaster
I am reading the recent post, and all I can do is pray for all of your. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Nov 9, 2012
AH
I just read on Nancy's FB page that grandbaby Ella was released from the hospital and is home with he Mom and Dad and new sister. The power of prayer.
Nov 9, 2012
Paymaster
Praise be!
Nov 9, 2012